Iran: Chinese citizens to be barred entry into Iran February 27 /update 8

Event

Authorities announced a measure on Thursday, February 27, temporarily banning Chinese nationals from entering Iran due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It was not immediately made clear how long the restriction would remain in place.

On Wednesday, February 26, the Ministry of Health advised Iranians not to travel within the country, adding that those infected or suspected of being infected with COVID-19 would be restricted from traveling. The Ministry also announced that teams have been placed at the entrances of multiple cities in order to conduct temperature screenings. Those found to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. 

Entry restrictions have also been implemented at several holy sites, including the Shrine of Fatima Massoumeh in Qom and the Imam Reza Holy Shrine in Mashhad. Additionally, Friday prayers slated for February 28 have been called off in most cities, including in Tehran. 

As of Thursday, February 27, there are 245 confirmed cases, including 26 deaths.

Further international spread of the virus is expected in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a "very grave threat."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue; throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and your home government.

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid potential spread of the disease.